87R4902 CXP-F

By: Morales of Maverick H.B. No. 1908

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the adoption of a state scenic byways program.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter I, Chapter 391, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 391.256 to read as follows:

Sec. 391.256. SCENIC BYWAYS PROGRAM. (a) The department shall plan, design, and establish a program for designating highways as State Scenic Byways.

(b) The program must include a process by which the department:

(1) receives proposals from political subdivisions or other community groups approved by the department for funding projects in accordance with 23 U.S.C. Section 162;

(2) applies for grants under 23 U.S.C. Section 162 for the projects; and

(3) allows an applicant who consents to pay for the costs of the projects that are not covered by grants made under 23 U.S.C. Section 162.

(c) A highway must be designated as a State Scenic Byway under the program established by this section before the department applies for a grant under Subsection (b)(2) for a project related to the highway.

(d) The department may use money from the state highway fund to pay for the costs of a project that are not covered by a grant made under 23 U.S.C. Section 162.

(e) In addition to any highways designated by the department, each highway listed under Section 391.252 is designated as a State Scenic Byway.

(f) The commission by rule shall prohibit outdoor advertising in a manner consistent with 23 U.S.C. Section 131(s) on a State Scenic Byway designated under this section.

SECTION 2. Not later than December 1, 2021, the Texas Department of Transportation shall establish the program required by Section 391.256, Transportation Code, as added by this Act, and the Texas Transportation Commission shall adopt rules as necessary to implement that section.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.